Resolution Adopted by the CCAR

Smoking

Adopted by the CCAR at the 96th Annual Convention of
the Central Conference of American Rabbis
1985

Whereaswe are enjoined by our Torah to "choose life," making it incumbent on us to speak
out against the demonstrated health hazard of smoking, and

Whereasthere is evidence that seventy-five percent of deaths from lung cancer could be avoided
if individuals did not smoke, yet thirty percent of all Americans still smoke, and

Whereasa recent study shows that specific changes in lung function occur in children who
live with smoking parents, and that living with smoking parents also promotes such
respiratory infections as bronchitis and pneumonia; and though no one would consciously
seek to harm family, friends, and co-workers, yet by continuing the practice we attack
the health and well-being of our children, grandchildren, and others,

Therefore be it resolvedthat the members of the CCAR take a stand against smoking, both by personal example
and by the establishment of programs which seek to discourage smoking.